4 thoughts on “Love this article by Beverly Beckham”

Thanks so much for sharing — I loved this article also. I had similar experiences with my then 5-year old son when we went to Disney last year. I didn’t necessarily think of them that way until now — but it is so true.

Great article. I love the insight into the emotion and perspective of people, especially those involved in a disability community.

I think this story is analogous to a comparison of school and the real world. The blogger compares DW to school but what about school and life beyond school? Our kids (I have a 6 yo with autism) have such a relatively safe environment at school, especially in elementary school. What does life hold for our kids at age 22? When the parents leave this world?

From my experience as a gen-ed teacher (completing a master’s in sped in May) we are not doing enough to prepare our kids with disabilities for life beyond secondary education. They are often coddled and protected from any harm. I’m not suggesting a cold, hard does of reality but a greater emphasis on self-help skills and self-advocacy – well beyond what is now offered! (That was my clarion call.)

Beverly Beckham’s thoughts on her grand daughters experience at Disney World are real to me. Our daughter Monica, for whom we just started a blog, has Down syndrome and is 20 years old. She too is willing to defer most gratification, expresses great thankfulness for everything she receives and is very oriented toward the other. More than any of our children she will ask “How was you meeting?” , “How was your day?” “Who did you see?” She will tell her brothers…”Tell everyone about your game!”, or “Dad, ask John about his game.” She is the social networker par excellance in our home…greeting guests, introducing them. She is satisfied with little and gives very much. I wonder about this often. Is this natural for a child with Down syndrome, or is the child with Down syndrome more generous because they have been treated kindly? Is everyone able to be like Monica, or is it a gift? I suppose I won’t ever know, but often when she bows her head spontaneously to pray for someone that she hears is in need, or when she is truly traumatized by news of a job loss or a loss of a child, I wonder, what gifts has God given her that are gifts of the spirit? We focus so much on the matter, the features, the abilities, the things we see, and often we dismiss the spirit, as if it were a fable. As the years have gone by, when Monica asks me to bow my head for a blessing, and she puts her hands on my head and begins to pray, I am very thankful and grateful for her intercession and pray that God hears her heart.